Inside the Phillies with MLB.com beat writer Todd Zolecki

Polanco Feels Better, Talks Return

The quicker Placido Polanco heals the better for the Phillies.

Polanco, who is on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left elbow, said today he is feeling much better. He is expected to begin baseball activities as early as Saturday. He said it is possible he could rejoin the Phillies for their July 19-22 series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

“Two of the doctors were right on,” Polanco said. “They said Wednesday you were going to start feeling really good. It’s amazing.”

Polanco has been doing various treatments for his elbow. He has been throwing and running to stay in shape.

Minor League notes: Triple-A Lehigh Valley placed right-hander Nate Bump on the disabled list (viral illness). Right-hander Michael Schwimer has been called up from Double-A Reading. … Matt Rizzotti was named Eastern League Player of the Month for June. He hit .369 (38-for-103) with seven doubles, seven home runs, 24 RBIs and 16 runs scored in 27 games. … Infielder Harold Garcia and right-hander Justin De Fratus were transferred from Class A Clearwater to Double-A Reading.

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I will be signing copies of my book Saturday from 4-4:45 p.m. during Pigapalooza at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

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The Zo Zone is on Facebook and Twitter. His Phillies book “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly” is available online, and at Delaware Valley bookstores!

Oh, boys & girls this is one sad frustrated fan. Not since 2007 have the Phils been 6+ games back in the division. Things just don’t seem to clicking on all cylinders this season. The all-star break can’t come soon enough.

On another completely unrelated topic, glad Howard has declined the HR derby invitation.

karen: It’s hard to click when they haven’t had “all cylinders” since opening week. Nevertheless, it isn’t an excuse for the lifeless play they’ve shown.
And with 3 more against the Reds coming it doesn’t get easier. Cueto and Leake against the bottom of our rotation. Can they beat Leake twice? After the break, it’s the Cubs and St. Louis on the road. They’d better get some rest.

The Derby is a waste of time. A made-for-TV event that has run its course. They should all decline and send a message. It’s glorified batting practice made worse by Berman screaming.

Speaking of MATTHEW Rizzotti – I hope to hear his name around the deadline. His stock is extremely high right now (probably won’t get higher), and he could be great trade bait for teams who NEED offense and are willing to deal a very decent pitcher. *cough*seattle*cough*

phils bats good enough to win last night.
moyer has had good games. his era 4.51 says different cause he put last nights game out of reach fast. maybe we should try contreras for one start in his place see what he can do.

Rizzotti is 24 years old and has played 4 seasons (170 games) at first base and 41 games as a Designated Hitter in the minors. He has only 18 errors in 1,580 chances. As a first baseman in the Phillies organization, I’d say his best chance to play in the big leagues is to be traded.

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